Clouds prevent clear view of Taj Mahal on full moon night

The clouds played hide and seek and prevented a clear view of the Taj Mahal as a record 399 tourists lined up to see the 17th century white marble marvel on Tuesday's full moon night.

A large crowd enjoyed the full moon view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh at the rear of the monument. Its reflection was also clearly visible in the murky Yamuna water.

Tourists were allowed to enter in batches of 50 each. "Those who went early did not get to see the Taj dazzling in the full moon light, but others who were inside around midnight experienced a delightful and memorable sight with the moon at its brightest best right atop the grand monument," said tourist guide Ved Gautam.

After a 2002 Supreme Court directive, tourists are allowed to enter in batches of 50, five days a month around full moon night. The maximum limit fixed is 400. The tourists are not allowed beyond the central tank, though earlier they could move around the main mausoleum.

Early on Wednesday, a sudden build up of dark clouds exploded and heavy showers lasted an hour. Trees were uprooted in many areas of the city and low-lying areas were inundated.

"I was getting ready for the morning walk around 4 a.m., when abruptly there was a furious wind accompanied with hail storm. I had to wait for more than an hour to go to the park," said morning walker Devashish.